Bois du Boucanet, lake and Ponant district

Park on the east side of the town, in the Ponant car park (free), on the right of the D255/D62E1, just after the Pont des Abîmes bridge when arriving from Le Grau du Roi; on the left and just before the Pont des Abîmes bridge when arriving from Palavas after crossing La Grande Motte.

(S/E) Exit the car park and turn left.

(1) Ignore the path on the left and take the Pont des Abîmes bridge over the Vidourle river. On the other side, turn left immediately onto the path. Follow it along the river, then enter the Bois du Boucanet woods and marshes. Continue to the La Pinède signpost, at a crossroads and a small esplanade with information panels about the inhabitants of the marshes.

(2) For a round trip, follow the path on the right (towards Château d'Eau) to a small pond where you may see birds and/or horses.

(3) Then return to the La Pinède signpost.

(2) Continue to the right towards La Lunule and reach this marker at a crossroads.

(4) Turn right and head for the Le Vidourle marker, by the river.

(5) Turn left along the river towards Étang du Ponant and follow the signpost.

(6) Follow the path, now heading west, to reach the intersection you passed on the way there.

(4) Continue straight ahead on the reverse route of the outward journey until you cross the Vidourle again.

(1) As soon as you reach the other side, turn right onto Allée du Ponant (Marguerite de Provence information sign). Continue straight ahead on this path, passing the sea turtle care centre (several information signs). At the bridge (note the carved iron signs on the other side of the stream), continue straight ahead, still on Allée du Ponant, passing the red barriers and arriving at a leisure area by the pond (information sign about its creation).

(7) Turn left onto Allée Pierre Pillet. Follow this long avenue straight ahead.

(8) Take the Passerelle de l'Allée Cavalière footbridge over Avenue du Maréchal Leclerc and continue straight ahead on the other side, still on Allée Pierre Pillet.

(9) Turn slightly right to go behind the school, continue to Avenue de Melgueil. Cross and go around the outdoor theatre (steps) on the right, towards the municipal police station. Turn left before the police station and you will arrive at the town hall and church square (worth visiting if it is open).

(10) Head left across the square and follow Rue du Port on the right. Pass the Tourist Office and an information panel on the town's architecture (on the left side of the street), then arrive at the marina.

(11) Turn left and walk along the harbour, first along Quai Georges Pompidou, then Quai Paul Harris and finally Quai Charles de Gaulle. At the square, continue straight ahead to reach the seafront.

(12) Go down to the beach and follow it, with the sea on your right. About 600 m further on, a breakwater, parallel to the beach, can be reached by turning right onto the sand. After a short climb over the rocks (take care), you will find steps leading to the top of the mound, where you can enjoy a small panoramic view.

(13) Carefully climb back down and continue along the beach, with the sea on your right, until you reach the Vidourle sea wall.

(14) Turn left to follow it along Allée du Ponant. Shortly before the bridge, turn left and then immediately right, cross the D62E1 on the pedestrian crossing, and you will find the Parking du Ponant car park opposite (S/E).

Moderate to easy hike, standard hiking equipment required.

Discover more hikes in this area with a description or the Visorando app here

Photo album here

Information about the history of La Grande Motte here and its architect here.

Don't miss a visit to Saint-Augustin Church (if it is open).

Jean Balladur's aesthetic sense, even in the details: the benches, the street lamps, the footbridge, the church furniture, the first aid stations on the beach, etc.

The Bois du Boucanet is a Natural Area managed by the Conservatoire du Littoral.

Information about the Étang du Ponant, created during the construction of La Grande Motte, can be found here.